National Education

National Education

National Education in Serangoon Garden Secondary School is everyone’s business. The school has developed a framework that focuses on developing awareness and understanding of what exactly National Education is and the roles everyone can play. SGS has also created platforms for students to put this understanding into action, by infusing it into several character building and leadership development activities. Each level will have collective, as well as differentiated opportunities to hone their understanding of National Education.

Through these activities, students will also be equipped with Social and Emotional Competencies, such as responsible decision making, relationship management and social awareness, among others, as these skills will enable them to be active and concerned citizens of the future. The pages that follow will give a clearer idea of NE – the SGS way…

The Purpose of NE

“It is an exercise to develop instincts that become part of the psyche of every child. It must engender a shared sense of nationhood, an understanding of how our past is relevant to our present and future. It must appeal to both heart and mind.”

– Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong, Teacher’s Day Rally, 8 Sept 1996.

The 6 National Education Messages

Singapore is our homeland; this is where we belong.
We treasure our heritage and take pride in shaping our own unique way of life.

We must preserve racial and religious harmony.
We value our diversity, and are determined to remain a united people.

We must uphold meritocracy and incorruptibility.
We provide opportunities for all, according to their ability and effort.

No one owes Singapore a living.
We find our way to survive and prosper, turning challenge into opportunity.

We must ourselves defend Singapore.
We are proud to defend Singapore ourselves; no one else is responsible for our security and well-being.

We have confidence in our future.
United, determined and well-prepared, we have what it takes to build a bright future for ourselves, and to progress together as one nation.

The 5 pillars of Total Defence

Military Defence
(Deterring Aggression, Being operationally ready & Being able to meet all kinds of challenges)

Civil Defence
(Knowing what to do during civil emergencies & being vigilant and alert at all times.)

Economic Defence
(Staying relevant and competitive through rapid change and development &
Putting in place robust economic systems that can continue to function in times of crisis.)

Social Defence
(Singaporeans of all races and religions living and working in harmony & Helping fellow Singaporeans.)

Psychological Defence
(Having pride in, and being loyal and committed to our country & Having the will, resolve and resilience to overcome challenges.)

Declaration on Religious Harmony

“We, the people in Singapore, declare that religious harmony is vital for peace,
progress and prosperity in our multi – racial and multi – religious Nation.
We resolve to strengthen religious harmony through mutual tolerance, confidence, respect and understanding.
We shall always
Recognise the secular nature of our State,
Promote cohesion within our society,
Respect each other’s freedom of religion,
Grow our common space while respecting our diversity,
Foster inter – religious communications,
And thereby ensure that religion will not be abused to create conflict and disharmony in Singapore.”

NE Activities in SGS – 2010

CNY Celebrations

CNY Decorations Competition

NE Notice Board Competition

Total Defence Day

International Friendship Day

Learning Journey to the Navy Open House

NE Awards

NE Activities in SGS – 2009

CNY Celebrations

NE Notice Board Competition

Total Defence Day

NE Survey

Pongal Celebration

NE Activities in SGS – 2008

CNY Celebrations

Total Defence Day

Learning Journeys to ISD Heritage Centre

NE Notice Board Competition

Racial Harmony Day

Booklet of National Day best wishes and reflections to PM and Education Minister